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A mere eight weeks ago that Morgan Rogers was standing on the Sunderland turf, looking confused as the Villa manager admonished him over failing to anticipate a penetrating pass. Back then, as Villa endured a six-game winless run, it wasn't clear if his displays were an indicator or the reason for the team's broader struggles.

“Following Rogers' second strike… Emery discarded his jacket, extended his arms, and let out a triumphant roar.”

This weekend, however, the manager's outburst was much more joyous. When the England international swept in his brace-sealing goal to reclaim Villa's lead, Emery tore off his jacket, threw his arms wide and roared. The Birmingham club were on their way to a 10th successive win and despite not winning their initial half-dozen fixtures, find themselves just three points adrift of the leaders Arsenal.

Is This Team Serious Hopefuls?

It remains a particularly tough query to address. History, the perceived status of the club, suggests not. Furthermore, their performances haven't been entirely convincing in many games, despite the fact the victories have accumulated.

As per the data, twice all season has the team posted an expected goals figure more than 0.5 greater than the other team. For a club who have put together ten consecutive victories, Villa look weirdly vulnerable – yet at the moment the margins are going in their favour.

The Reliant Strategy

Their recent policy appears to be to exchange chances with the opposition and then rely on their star man to bail them out with some clinical strikes. It happened against Leeds, it transpired against West Ham, and once more versus the Red Devils.

Rogers' first goal came from an exquisite effort, curled right inside the post from the edge of the area. For his second was essentially a slight scruffier version of goal number one as he seized on a setup by his strike partner.

“Perhaps Rogers’ right foot is becoming like Arjen Robben’s left: just because you know he’s going to whip the ball into the top corner doesn’t mean you can stop him.”

How Long Can This Continue?

Logic says not. In the recent win, Manchester United registered more shots and more shots on target. Villa have secured their last eight victories by a single goal. The defence has been breached in all but one of those matches.

A reversion to average could be the biggest rival Villa will encounter as the season progresses. Their key man, surely, cannot keep on blasting the football past despairing goalkeepers week in, week out.

Reasons for Optimism

Maybe there exists another reality in which, rather than luck running out, the level of play rises to match the results. Vital cogs could still find their top level.

• The main striker may begin to finding the net regularly.
• Jadon Sancho might become the performer he was in Germany.
• The injured centre-backs are due to regain fitness, bolstering an occasionally vulnerable defence.

This could contain the potential for a sustained push, but they surely can continue to depend solely on one man.

Enjoying the Ride

However, nobody expected this. Few believed the team would occupy in the top three for the holidays. And most definitely back in October, no one envisioned Rogers as the year closed would be leading a title charge and appearing as an essential player for the national team.

The current run must be cherished for the very reason that it appears so improbable. As Rogers faced the North End after the match orchestrating the applause, it was clear to be relishing every moment. As he deserves to. Such periods are rare in football and should be relished.